Benoit Badiashile, a defender from Monaco who cost Chelsea £35 million, has committed to a seven-and-a-half-year deal. Badiashile, 21, made 135 appearances for Monaco and has earned two France caps.

Badiashile is one of the top young left-footed centre backs in Europe, and Chelsea has been interested in him since the summer.

“I’m very happy to be here at Chelsea. I’m so excited to start playing for this club,” said Badiashile.

“I can’t wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world.”

Following Molde’s acquisition of David Datro Fofana in the January transfer window, Badiashile passed his physical on Monday and joined Chelsea. On Saturday, the Blues also examined midfielder Andrey Santos, who is 18 and plays for Vasco do Gama.

Since Todd Boehly became the club’s director in May 2022, Chelsea has adopted a strategy of bringing in young, gifted players. The club now includes Wesley Fofana (age 21), Carney Chukwuemeka (19), Cesare Casadei (19), Fofana (20), and Gabriel Slonina (18).

We’re thrilled to welcome Benoit to Chelsea, said chairman Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali in a joint statement.

“He’s an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a huge amount of experience for his young age. We are sure he will form an important part of our team in the years ahead.”